Forced by the Kuomintang to evacuate their Jiangxi province base in October 1934, the Red Army embarked on a 12,500km retreat. One hundred thousand soldiers and party leaders braved bitter conditions through 11 provinces, 18 mountain ranges, and 24 rivers. During this feat, Mao gained unchallenged command of the Communist Party, ousting rivals and reasserting guerrilla tactics. Only 28,000 marchers reached Shaanxi province, where they established a new headquarters at Yan'an. The marchers' legendary discipline increased party prestige, and the movement grew rapidly.